DE2931921A1 - IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

BLUMBACH · WESER. BERGEN ■ KRAMER ZWIRNER · BREHM

PATENT LAWYERS IN MUNICH AND WIESBADEN 2 9 3 I ° 2 I

Patentconsult RadedcestraSe 43 8000 Munich 60 Telephone (089) 883603/883604 Telex 05-212Ϊ13 Telegrams Patentconsuit Patentconsult Sonnenberger Straße 43 6200 Wiesbaden Telephone (06121) 562943/561998 Telex 04-186237 Telegrams Patentconsult

79/8743

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

Image carriers which are made photosensitive by heating and on those in the photosensitive field a visible image by exposure to an optical image and by thermal development Image can be obtained are known. This image carrier does not require a wet process for development, nor is a dark room necessary to put it in or take it out of an image forming apparatus, i.e., it can be handled in a bright room.

In such an image forming device, it is also possible that after the information once selectively in the desired Field of the image carrier has been recorded, the image carrier

Middle India: R. Kramer Dipl.-Ing. . W. Weser Dipl.-Phys. Dr. rer. nat. . H.P. Brehm Dipl.-Chem. Dr. phil. nat. Wiesbaden: P.G. Blumbach Dipl.-Ing. · P. Bergen Dipl.-Ing. Dr. jur. · G. Zwirner Dipl.-Ing. Dipl.-W.-Ing

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can be used again in the image generation device in order to provide additional information in other fields of the image carrier to record.

The aim of this invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which allows the image carrier to be handled in a bright room, which is simple in structure and which is capable of recording and developing a through a dry process Information permitted on the image carrier.

If several image fields are provided on an image carrier, so that, as in the case mentioned, additional information can be recorded, then it is desirable that the preheating and thermal development of the desired Image field has no influence on the other fields. This is particularly important when the image fields are in close proximity Neighborhood are provided. Furthermore, it is of course desirable that the image forming apparatus as well as conventional other imaging devices, has a high resolution. A high resolution will be This is particularly required when an image of a template or an object is in each case in one of a number of image fields is recorded on a reduced scale, as is the case with a microfilm or a microfiche.

The image carrier must be heated to make it photosensitive

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to make and to develop it. Therefore there is a fear that the image carrier is deformed by the heat, so that it is impossible to record with high resolution perform. Furthermore, since a recording process has at least three process steps, namely preheating, Exposure and thermal development is the recording speed a device using this image carrier is relatively small. This is for that consecutive recording of multiple originals undesirable.

Another object of this invention is to provide an image forming apparatus to make available, which enables a high sharpness or a high resolution when recording, that is not affected by the heating processes or is not impaired.

Another object of this invention is an image forming apparatus, which allows high speed recording.

Another object of this invention is an image forming apparatus, which ensures that the heating of one image field does not affect the other image fields and that the Image fields can be provided in close proximity.

Finally, an image forming device is to be made available which ensures that when a

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desired image field from the plurality of image fields of the image carrier is not thermally deformed.

The invention is characterized by the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

Accordingly, an image carrier is activated and photosensitive before exposure and it is thermally Develop an image on it in the light-sensitive area or field that has been exposed to an optical image. The image carrier has a multitude of Image fields, one of which is made photosensitive by preheating by means of a first heating device and then the preheated area is exposed to an optical image of an original or an object. The exposed Area is thermally developed by a second heating device. The image fields of the image carrier are respectively successively through a transport device to the first heating device, to the exposure device and to the second Moving the heating device. For example, these three devices are arranged in a line so that a parallel simultaneous Treating the individual image fields of the image carrier is made possible, whereby a recording at high speed is achieved.

During the treatment by the first heating device,

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the exposure device and the second heating device become the image field to be treated in the treatment position held by a retaining device. The retaining device contains, for example, a first frame-shaped part, which essentially surrounds an image field and the image field is through this frame-shaped part and another Part held in this position. This prevents thermal deformation of the image carrier and ensures Uniform heating of the entire image field or the entire image area. As a result, the entire field of view becomes provided with the same sensitivity and it will prevents the heat from being transferred to an adjacent field or area. During exposure the image field can be arranged exactly in the position in which the image of the original is created and the image field becomes kept completely flat, so that a high resolution can be achieved. If the heating device is also a fixed one A body with a high temperature that is kept in contact with the image field becomes a pressurized one Fluid, e.g., compressed air, is supplied to the side of the image field opposite the high temperature solid body to press the entire image field evenly against the body. This ensures even heating of the entire image field, prevents thermal deformation of the image carrier by the heating device and enables a reduction in the heating time.

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The Vorwarmtemperatur by the first heating means is usually selected in the range preferably between 80 and 130 ⁰ C, between 90 and 120 ⁰ C. The heating time usually increases as the heating temperature becomes lower. The temperature for thermal development by the second heater is gewähnlich in the range between 100 and 150 ⁰ C preferably selected from 110 to 130 ⁰ C.

As the image carrier suitable for the present invention, there can be used any image carrier which can be obtained by heating in a short time Can be made photosensitive then by a time optical image is exposed and is thermally developed in the exposed area.

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A typical, exemplary embodiment of such a The imaging support consists of a material that acts as a dry, silver-based photosensitive material referred to as; this material contains an oxidation-reduction reaction ensuring component, namely at least one oxidizing agent based on one organic Silver salt, a reducing agent based on a silver ion for silver ions. Below are more detailed Details of this exemplary imaging material are listed.

A specific example of the imaging support of the present invention consists of a material which essentially contains the following components, viz an oxidizing agent based on a non-photosensitive, organic silver salt, a silver halide or halogen ion source to react with the as an oxidizing agent serving organic silver salt to produce the silver halide,

a reducing agent for a silver ion, a binder, and
a source of mercury ions.

Another example of the imaging carrier of the present invention usable material consists essentially of one. Oxidizing agent based on a non-light sensitive organic silver salt, a Reducing agent for a silver ion, a binder,

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a source of mercury (II) ions, a carboxylic acid and / or a sensitizing dye.

The former material is described, for example, in U.S. Patents 3,802,888, 3,764,329 and 4,113,496; the latter material is shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,816,132 and in US Pat. No. 3,816,132 Japanese patent application 127 719/76.

As examples of the above-mentioned non-photosensitive organic silver salts, consider the longer chain silver salts called fatty acids or silver salts of organic compounds with imino or mercapto groups. To the The above-mentioned silver salts include, for example, silver stearate, silver behenate, silver salts of benzotriazole, silver-5-nitrobenzotriazole, Silver-5-nitrobenzimidazole, silver saccharin, silver phthalazinone, silver-2-mercaptobenzoimidazole and silver 3-mercapto-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazole. Under Of these compounds, the silver salts of long-chain acidic acids, such as silver stearate and silver behenate, become particularly important preferably used. The organic silver salt-based oxidizing agent is in one portion

from about 0.1 to about 50 g / m, preferably in one

ο
Share of about 1 to 10 g / m used.

To the upper. e :: £ ^- ep: flat silver halides include silver chloride, silver broinid, silver iodide, silver chlor-bromine-iodide, sill · cre? .Ic: -brcr / icl, silver-jc-d-brcMic !, silver chlor-broniö

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

and mixtures of these compounds. Based on the proportion of oxidizing agent based on an organic silver salt (silver salt oxidizing agent), the silver halide proportion should be approximately 0.1 to approximately MO mol%, preferably 0.5 to 20%.

As an example of a source of halogen ions, which in turn are able to form silver halide by reaction with the silver salt oxidizing agent, there may be mentioned reducible halogen compounds which contain the grouping — CONX — or — SOpHX — with X = chlorine, bromine or iodine; such compounds are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,764,329. Another source of such halogen ions are inorganic halides, such as the compounds HgX ₂ , CaX ₂ , CoX ₂ , BaX ₂ , CsX, EbX, MgX ₂ , NiX ₂ , GeX ₄ and FbXp (where X stands for chlorine, bromine or iodine) also organic halides of the elements Ga, Sn, Pb, P, As, Sb, Bi, Se and Te; Such organic halides include, for example (£ V ₅ GeX, (£ ^ V ₂ ^GeX 2 '(£ 3 ~ ^CH 2 "* 2 ^SnX 2> (€

O TeX ₂ ; Here, too, X always stands for chlorine, bromine or iodine; suitable compounds are also halogen molecules and similar compounds, such as bromine, iodine, iodine-chlorine, iodine-broire. and Bro ::. ~ chlorine; Koinplexverbind'ange may also be mentioned: of halogen molecules with certain compounds, such as

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p-dioxane; organic halogen compounds such as triphenylmethyl bromide, triphenylmethyl chloride, iodoform, 2-bromoethanol, cK-bromodiphenylmethane, c <-iodophenylmethane, c? <- chlorodiphenylmethane, o <-Bromo-di- (p-methoxyphenyl) -methane and similar connections. The proportion of such sources for halogen ions should (based on the proportion of Oxidizing agent based on organic silver salt) about 0.1 to about 40 mol%, preferably 0.5 to 20 Mo1-%.

A suitable reducing agent for reducing the silver ions is a sterically hindered phenol in which one or two sterically demanding groups on the carbon atom or atoms adjacent to the carbon atom with the hydroxyl group are bound to sterically shield the hydroxyl group. Exemplary hindered phenols are 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol; 2,2'-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol); 2,4,4-trimethylphenylbis (2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) methane and 2,6-bis- (2 * -hydroxy-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methylbenzyl) -4-methylphenol. Based on the proportion of silver salt oxidizing agent, the proportion of this reducing agent (based on phenol) should be 0.1 to 100% by weight, preferably 1 to 100% by weight.

The source of mercury (II) ions is mercury (II) acetate, Querksilb! GT? (II) -behe-jiat, mercury (II) benzoate and Mercury (II) halides.

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As the organic carboxylic acid, behenic acid, stearic acid and similar fatty acids are suitable. The proportion of mercury (II) ions should be 0.1 to ψ / ο , based on the silver content of the imaging carrier.

A sensitizing dye is, for example Suitable for merocyanine; other exemplary dyes are in that of Nippon Kanko Shikiso Kenkyusho (Japanese Institute of Photosensitive Dyes) published list of organic chemicals on page 102 to 105 (1969) and pages 25 to 27 (1974).

Suitable binders are, for example, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate, Polyvinyl acetate, cellulose acetate propxonate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polystyrene and gelatin. From these materials it turns out Polyvinyl butyral has proven to be a particularly good binder. These binders can be used as a single compound or in Form of a mixture of two or more compounds can be used. The binder content is preferably to this effect selected that the binder: silver salt oxidizer weight ratio is in the range of about 10: 1 to is about 1:10, preferably in the range 1.2: 1 to 1: 2.

If this is the goal, the material used to create the erfir.r.ung. ^c : ~ c-.T.äI: en imaging carrier contain other components, such as a toner for the silver image,

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ORIGINAL INSPECTED

a background darkening agent and a sensitizer in addition to the above named components. As the toner for a silver image, phthalazinone and phthalimide may be mentioned, for example; suitable Means for preventing the background from becoming dark are, for example, tetrabromobutane and hexabromocyclohexane and tribromoquinalidine.

The composition of the above-mentioned ingredients together with the binder and a suitable solvent is applied in the form of a layer on a transparent support; as a carrier, for example, a Polyethylene film, a cellulose acetate film or a polyester film to serve. The layer thickness of the applied coating is approximately 1 to approximately 1000 µm, preferably 5 to 20 µm. The components of the composition can optionally also be present individually in two or more layers. The material produced in this way is not photosensitive under the usual exposure conditions .and can therefore be handled in a room with normal access to light will. If an area of this material is preheated in the dark, it becomes This made the area sensitive to light.

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Brief description of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the

external appearance of the image forming apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross section along the line

A-A in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 shows a cross section along the line

B-B in Figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view and

shows the spatial relationships between the transport device for the image carrier and the tube holder;

Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view

for example a drive mechanism for a frame-shaped part of a heating element;

Fig. 6 shows in perspective the state in which

the holder for the picture carrier to the opening for inserting a picture carrier is brought;

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Fig. 7,

shows in cross section part of the

Tube holder;

Fig. 8

shows a perspective view

the frame-shaped parts of the tube holder according to FIG. 7, seen from the Side of the image carrier;

Figure 9A

through 9C show cross sections through other modifi

adorned embodiments of the tube holder and a heating element;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of FIG

Device for forming a beam path for reading purposes;

Fig. 11 shows the spatial relationship between

Frames on the image carrier and elements of the double exposure tester;

Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram for an example of one

Double exposure lock;

Fig. 13 shows a plan of the control devices

and air passages for heating with heated air;

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13th

Fig. 14 shows a cross section through a

other embodiment of the tube holder in case of heating with heated

Air.

Figure 15 shows a cross section through another

Example for the tube holder for the case of heating with gas;

Fig. 16 shows a cross section through a white

Another example of the tube holder for the case of heating with infrared Rays;

Fig. 17 shows a schematic representation for

the relationship between image fields on the image carrier and the positions for double exposure testing, preheating, exposure

and the thermal development during a successive one On i chung;

18 shows a perspective illustration

an example in which step wheels are used to position the image carrier will.

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ORIGINAL! KTS °! 9C7ED

The image forming device according to the present invention externally looks, for example, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown. A lower part 11 is connected to a cover 12 at its rear part and carries in his front part an object holder 13. An insertion part 12a for the optical image which the object holder Introduced reflected light into the cover 12, is attached to this and extends over the object holder 13. A control plate 14 is attached to the top 20 of the lower part 11 in a corner near the front boundary and on this control plate 14, various push buttons for controlling the image forming apparatus are arranged. A cover 16 is attached to the front of the lower part 11 and has an opening for inserting the image generation carrier covers. On one side of the front plate 15 of the cover 12 is a screen 175 for the projection of an image provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a projection lens 18 is mounted within the cover, which is part of a Exposure device forms. An image carrier 19 is movably attached at a position where that of the lens 18 projected image of an object is created, d. H. at the exposure position. The image carrier 19 is, like FIG. 4 shows, held by a holder 21 and this holder 21

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is carried and moved by transport equipment.

These transport devices are as in Figures 2 and 3 are arranged and are shown in Fig. 4 again enlarged. The top 20 of the lower part 11 on which the Object holder is attached is tilted slightly forward

just like the base plate 22 in the lower part 11. As FIG. 4 shows, supports 31a, 31b, 32a and 32b are on the base plate 22 attached near the four corners.

A threaded rod 33 is rotatably supported in the supports 31a and 32a and extends in a perpendicular direction to the front of the lower part 11. One end of the threaded rod 33 protrudes from the support 31a and a motor 34 for the The Y direction is attached to that side of the support 31a on which the threaded rod 33 protrudes. The threaded rod 33 is driven by the motor 34. A movable in the Y-direction part 35, which extends in a direction perpendicular extends to the threaded rod 33, is formed at one end to a guide piece 36 and is in the threaded bore the threaded rod 33 is screwed in. In this way, when the part 35 is movable in the Y direction, it becomes the Threaded rod moved in the direction of its extension. The supports 31a and 32a are still close to the threaded rod 33 and connected parallel to her by a guide rod 37 which runs through a through hole in the guide piece 36 unci

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away

by which the movable member 35 is held so that it can be moved without rotating. One is similar Guide rod 38 attached between the supports 31b and 32b and through a hole in the guide piece 39 on the other End of the movable part 35 guided so that the movable part 35 is parallel to the base plate 22 in the direction of the Course of the threaded rod 33 can be moved. This direction of movement is, for example, a movement in the direction the Y-axis. Two support parts 41 and 42 are attached to the two ends of the part 35 movable in the Y direction. A threaded rod 43 rotatably extends in the X direction between these carrier parts 41 and 42. An end to this The threaded rod 43 for the X direction protrudes from the carrier part 41 and a motor 44 for the X direction is on the carrier part 41 attached to the side where the end of the threaded rod 43 protrudes. The threaded rod 43 for the X direction is driven by motor 44. Run near the threaded rod for the X direction 43 and parallel to it Guide rods 45 and 46 between the support parts 41 and 42. Furthermore, a part 47 movable in the X direction is provided, through which the threaded rod 43 and the guide rods 45 and 46 extend. The part that can move in the X direction 47 and the threaded rod for the X direction 43 are connected to one another by a thread; caused accordingly a rotation of the threaded rod 43 for the X direction a loading

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movement of the part 47 movable in the X direction to the right and left, d. H. in the direction of the X-axis.

A support arm 48, on which the holder 21 for the image carrier is attached, is attached to the part 47 which is movable in the X direction is rotatably mounted, as FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 show. A pair of locator pins 97 and 98 grip arm 48 in openings on the edge of the image carrier 19 and the edge of the image carrier 19 is by the holder 21 against the support arm 48 pressed. For this purpose, a spiral spring, not shown, is attached to the pivot point of the holder 21 and through this spring the holder 21 is pressed against the support arm 48 and the image carrier 19 is held between the two parts. To the To accommodate the positioning pins 97 and 98, the holder 21 has corresponding holes. To facilitate attachment and Removal of the image carrier 19 is a middle piece of the outer edge of the holder 21 formed so that it is after protrudes outside and forms an operating piece 99. By pressing this operating piece 99, the holder 21 can be easily moved against the force of the above-mentioned spiral spring.

The cover 16 is also designed so that it is automatically closed by a spring. For attachment or removal of the image carrier 19 on the support arm 48, the holder is moved into its outermost position by the motor 34 for the Y direction brought, in which the support arm 48, the cover 16 through an opening

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101 pushes away in the front of the lower part 11 (Fig. 6). Here, the cover 16 is against the force of a not shown The spring is pivoted away so that the holder 21 protrudes from the opening 101. This position is a basic position of the holder 21, in which the image carrier 19 can be attached to the support arm 48 or removed again. As soon as the support arm 48 is moved back into the lower part 11, the cover 16 automatically closes the opening 101. In this way disturbing light are automatically kept away from the device.

It is advantageous to provide guides through which the image carrier 19 held in the holder 21 is brought into the exposure or heating position. These tours exist for example from upper and lower guide plates 103 and 102 which, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, on the carrier the photo device 49 are attached. The distance between the upper and lower guide plates 103 and 102 is reduced gradually with the approach to the tube holder 53 carrying the projection lens 18 and the image carrier 19 guided between the guide plates 103 and 102 to the exposure or heating position under the tube holder 53.

Furthermore, a guide plate 104 is attached to the vertical wall 51 of the support of the photo device 49, the the image carrier 19 leads after it is under the tube holder

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53 has moved through and which is below the image carrier 19, d. H. on the side of the base plate 22, close to the Tube holder extends backwards. These guide plates 102 to 104 preferably consist of thin resilient plates made of synthetic resin or phosphor bronze. The guide plates do not always have to be flat, but can also be curved. If such guides are provided, the image carrier 19 held only on one side by the holder 21 can securely and be brought into the photographing position without bending. The formation of the guides is not based on that described above Kind of restricted. For example, a bent image carrier 19 can be produced by moving belts or by rollers brought into the photographing position and stretched straight will.

The image carrier 19 has a plurality of images containing Regions, so-called image fields 107, which, as shown in FIG. 4, are arranged in the form of a matrix. The image carrier 19 is on the support arm 48 mounted so that each desired image field 107 is precisely positioned in the exposure or heating position can. The support arm 48 is stopped in the aforementioned reference position in which the holder 21 is in its outermost position. To achieve this, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, a protruding piece 108 is attached to the one in the X direction movable part 47 attached so that immediately before the

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The part 47 movable in the X direction reaches the carrier part 42, the protruding piece 108 one on the carrier part 4 2 attached microswitch 109 touches and thus interrupts the movement in the X direction. Is accordingly a protruding piece 111 is attached to the support part 41 of the part 35 movable in the Y direction and immediately before the movable part 35 reaches the support 42, the protruding piece 111 contacts the microswitch 112 and stops thus the movement in the Y direction. In this way, the actuation of the microswitches 109 and 112, the support arm 48 in its reference position, i.e. H. stopped in its extreme position. As drive motors 34 and 44 are motors used that allow the movement to be metered with high accuracy, for example stepper motors and by the Number of these motors predetermined pulses can both move the image carrier 19 from the aforementioned reference position can be precisely controlled in the X and Y directions, which enables precise positioning of the image carrier 19. on In this way, a desired image field 107 on the image carrier 19 can be brought into the heating or exposure position will.

The image carrier 19 can not only be a microfiche with a large number of image fields arranged in a matrix on a sheet film, but also a roll film with side by side

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lying image fields.

A microfilm image carrier 19 can through the

Holders are held on two or more sides as well as on one; however, the image carrier 19 is from the point of view that it is to be brought into contact with the end face of a heating element in its entire area and that the Image carrier 19 must be pressed against the tube holder 53, preferably held on one side only.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, an example each of the heating and exposure devices is shown

shown, which are the essential parts for a device according to the invention. Furthermore, each of these parts is respectively in the heating or exposure position within the embodiment shown. The heating device consists in the present embodiment of separate preheating and heat developing devices and both are as solid bodies, ζ. B. metal blocks of high temperature.

As can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, the support of the photo device 49 is in the shape of an inverted one Ii attached to the rear part of the base plate 22. The vertical wall 51 of the support 49 extends substantially at a right angle upwards from the base plate 22 and the upper horizontal plate 52 of the carrier 49

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- 3Ί -

extends in the direction of the front plate 15 and is substantially parallel to the base plate 22. The upper horizontal plate 52 has an opening into which the tube holder 53 fits and in which it is fixed.

The tube holder 53 is made, for example, of a metal block and contains a through hole 54 perpendicular to the The base plate 22 and the lens 18 are arranged within this hole 54. The tube holder also contains 53 on the left and to the right of the through hole 54, recesses 57 and 58, which are open in the direction of the base plate 22 and which each correspond in size to the image fields 107 on the image carrier 19 correspond. The edge of each of the recesses is designed in the shape of a frame on all sides and constitutes part of the Means for holding the image carrier 19 during the heating. Opposite the recesses 57 and 58 are a first heating element 61 for preheating

and a second heating element 62 for the

thermal development attached. The heating elements 61 and 62 each sit on one end

of rotatable levers 63 and 64, which, as FIGS. 4 and 4 show, run perpendicular to the wall 51 of the carrier 49. the Movable levers 63, 64 protrude rearward through an opening 65 in the vertical wall 51 of the carrier 49 out. Each of the rotatable levers 63 and 64 is rotatably supported by means of a pin 95, these pins 95 are in turn held by tabs 93 and 94, which from

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the brackets 66, which in turn are attached to the rear of the vertical wall 51, are cut out and bent upwards. The rear ends of the movable levers 63 and 64 are movably connected to the armatures 69 and 71 of the coils 67 and 68 mounted on the brackets 66. By driving the coils 67 and 68, the movable levers 63 and 64 are moved and press the heating elements 61 and 62
against the image carrier 19.

The image fields of the image carrier 19 are through the frame-shaped Part of the recess 57 and the heating element 61, the frame-shaped part of the recess 59 and the heating element

held in their position. The end faces

of the heating elements 61 and 62 at the dem

The side facing the image carrier 19 are essentially the same size as each image field of the image carrier 19, but are somewhat larger than the recesses 57 , 58.

In the previous one is a part of each of the retaining devices for the image carrier described as frame-shaped, but the retaining device serves at least during the Heat treatment only for holding the image fields of the image carrier 19, those of the heat treatment, the exposure and subjected to thermal development. The retaining device can therefore also be plate-shaped or something like that

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be designed similarly. However, from the standpoint of uniform image treatment, it is preferable that at least each holding device is designed in the shape of a frame. In the case where the photosensitive material is on a Substrate is formed, it is to be provided that the side of the photosensitive material on the image carrier in the shape of a frame is. The same applies to the holding device of the exposure device described later.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the hole 54 of the tube holder 53 is threaded and the one on top of it Outer surface threaded tube 55 containing lens 18 is screwed into hole 54. By rotating the tube 55, the position of the lens 18 relative to the image carrier 19 is the one with the end face of the tube, holder 53 is in contact, adjusted, whereby a fine adjustment of the place is possible, where the Image of the object is created. The position of the tube 55 and thus the position of the lens 18 is determined by the tightening a lock nut 56 is fixed on the tube 55. The size of the open end of the through hole 54 on the side of the image carrier 19 corresponds to the area of an image field of the image carrier 19 and the edge forming the open end is also used as a frame-shaped part of the holding device for the image carrier 19 during the exposure.

As shown in Fig. 5, a movable lever 72 is between the

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movable levers 63a and 64 and arranged parallel to these, which is to ensure that the image carrier 19 during the exposure is held exactly at the point where the image of the object is created. The movable lever 72 carries a second hollow, frame-shaped end piece 73 at one end for exposure and is movably connected at its other end to a coil 74 mounted on a bracket 66. Furthermore, the lever 72 is rotatably mounted in its central part with the aid of a pin 95, which in turn connects two tabs 93 and 94, which are cut out of the console 66 and bent upwards. By control the coil 74, the movable lever 92 is rotated, whereby the image carrier 19 through the frame-shaped end piece 73 against the frame-shaped edge of the through hole 54 of the tube holder 53 is pressed, which is the second frame-shaped Part serves. Accordingly, the image carrier 19 is between clamped the two frame-shaped parts and thus held in place. Here the second becomes frame-shaped End piece 73 made slightly larger than the through hole 54, so that the image carrier 19 is pressed against the tube holder 53. The hollow frame-shaped end piece 73 does not always have to be frame-shaped, but it can also be plate-shaped, but it is preferably hollow and frame-shaped so that it is clears a path for light from the light source 162 for reading with a reading device described later.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment in which the

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Recess 57, the through hole 54 and the Recess 58 in their center-to-center distances between the successive image-bearing surfaces or image fields of the image carrier 19 correspond and are arranged in a row and in which the preheater, the

Exposure device and the device for thermal development corresponding to the successive image fields are arranged.

9A shows a modified form of the holding device for holding the image carrier 19 when the heating device is pressed against him. This holding device consists of first and second frame-shaped parts that form the image carrier 19 clamp between you. The second frame-shaped part, designated 146, for pressing on the image carrier 19 is designed so that it surrounds the heating element 62. If now the image carrier 19 through the second frame-shaped part 146 against the first frame-shaped part, which through the end face of the recess provided for the heating process 58 is formed in the tube holder 53, is pressed, an image field of the image carrier 19 is between the two Frame-shaped parts held on all sides. At the same time, heat conduction to neighboring image fields can be prevented if the temperature of the heating element 62 becomes unnecessarily high and exceeds a required value. Farther allows the image carrier 19 to be held during the

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Heating process a uniform heating of the whole image-bearing surface, ensures that the same film speed is achieved over the entire surface and prevents it Deformations of the image carrier 19 which would otherwise occur as a result of the heating. This works towards one Enhancement of sensitivity.

The second frame-shaped member 146 shown in FIG. 9A can be used 61 in connection with the heating ^e l ^ement. Preferably, the heating element 61

activated after the image carrier 19 by means of two frame-shaped parts, d. H. a retaining device, which is formed from the second frame-shaped part 146 and the end face of the recess of the tube holder 53, is held in its position. In addition, the whole arrangement is when the frame-shaped part for the

. and / or /
Heating, the tube holder / the frame-shaped part for the thermal development

each have the size of an image field of the image carrier and designed as a uniform functional block are simplified compared to an arrangement in which they are arranged and operated individually.

When an image carrier has a plurality of image fields, they are generally arranged in a line-like manner and accordingly it is desirable that at least

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the first heating element, the exposure element and the second heating element are also arranged in alignment.

The first heating element, the exposure element and the second heating element are usually arranged adjacent, however If necessary, other facilities can also be placed between them.

After an image field of the image carrier has been activated by the first heating element and thus made photosensitive, is it

again by one

Frame moved further to the exposure position, where an image of the object located on the object holder 13 is projected will. For this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2, a lamp holder 114 is on the underside of the image insertion part 12a above of the object holder 13 attached. On the lamp holder 114 there are lamp sockets 116 for receiving fluorescent lamps next to one another 118 mounted. The lamp holder 114 is attached so that that the light from the fluorescent lamps 118 on the object holder 13 is directed.

The object reflected from the object holder 13

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directed light falls substantially perpendicular to the lower part 11 in the image introducing part 12a. In the picture introduction part 12a is a light incidence opening 121 with the direction of the object holder 13 is formed. A hood 122, which extends downward, is attached to the opening 121 and represents a shield against unwanted external light. After the light reflected from the object enters the Image introducing part 12a has entered, it falls on a mirror 123, which in the image introducing part 12A in one Angle of substantially 45 ° to the lower part 11 is attached. Through this mirror 123 is the reflected light deflected backwards at an approximately right angle and occurs essentially parallel to the lower part 11 in the cover 12. A mirror 125 is attached above the tube holder 53, and the one coming from the mirror 123 Light is optical through this mirror 125 in the direction of the projection lens 18 in the tube holder 53 and from the latter Axis deflected.

Inside the image introducing part 12 a and the cover 12 a light shielding jacket 126 is also provided, which extends from the inner corner of the hood 122 and the optical Paths between mirrors 123 and 125 and between mirror 125 and a shutter 129 surrounds.

In this way, the image of the object on the object

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holder 13 deflected by the mirrors 123 and 125 and then projected through the lens 18 onto the image carrier 19. To the Influencing the time in which the image carrier 19 the image the object is exposed / a shutter 129 is provided on the shielding jacket 126 on the side of the mirror 125, which opens and closes the optical path 128 on the projection lens 18 side. The shutter 129 is for example opened and closed by a solenoid 131. The shutter 129 is controlled by known exposure control devices (not shown) open for the duration of the correct exposure time. Of course the light-sensitive layer of the image carrier 19 lies on the side of the through hole 54 of the tube holder 53.

To reduce the likelihood of occasional re-exposure of areas that have already been exposed, i. H. Double exposures, several approaches can be considered. An effective method for use in the present invention Device is the application of a strip of reflective material to at least one side, but preferably on all sides of the specimen holder 13 in accordance with an image field on the image carrier 19 and that Photograph this strip together with the object. So z. B., as Fig. 1 shows, a highly reflective frame 133 attached to the edge of the specimen holder 13 on all sides. The object holder 13 is formed from a base in a

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Low Reflectance Color, e.g. B. black, and is surrounded with a rectangular frame 133, which is made of white material, aluminum foil or something similarly thick There is reflective material and its inner dimensions are the same as the outer of the object holder 13 and correspond to a picture frame. An object is placed in the highly reflective frame 133 and oriented relative to it. At the inner edge zone of the image field on the image carrier 19 there is always a marking whose Density of the reflection factor of the highly reflective frame 133 and corresponds to the edge zone of the object. The highly reflective frame 133 can also protrude will be provided on one or all sides.

In order to detect image fields that have already been exposed, a detector is provided to prevent double exposures, which checks whether or not the edge of an object is imaged in the image field to be tested. This detector sits at a distance from an image field of the image carrier 19 from the recess of the tube holder 53 removed on the opposite side of the hole 54. This detector to prevent double exposures consists of, for example, a photodiode or similar light emitting element 134 and a Phototransistor or a similar light detector 135, which are arranged so that the image carrier 19 lies between them,

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The light-emitting element 134 is attached to a shoulder of the tube holder 53, while the light detector 135 is arranged so that it, which is not shown, with respect to the image carrier 19 in a similar manner to the heating element 61 can be advanced and withdrawn. When the amount of light received by the light detector 135 is below a predetermined value, it is decided that the image field has already been exposed.

The double exposure prevention device will now be described in more detail. Like Fig. 11 shows, in the case of an already exposed image, the image field 107 on the image carrier 19 is higher from an edge 181 Recording density surrounded by the highly reflective frame 133 of the object holder 13, as already referred to on Fig. 1, corresponds. Opposite the parts of the edge 181 that run in the X and Y directions light-emitting elements 134x or 134y are arranged and light detectors 135x or 135 y are accordingly located opposite one another the light-emitting elements 134x and 134y, even if they are covered by the image carrier 19 in FIG.

The light emitting elements 134x and 134y are correspondingly opposite to the light detectors 135x and 135y arranged and have the image carrier 19, as shown in Fig. 12, between them. In this example the

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Light detectors 135x and 135y made of phototransistors, whose Collectors are connected to an input of a comparator 182 via diodes 132x and 132y and thus form an OR circuit, while the other input of the comparator 182 is connected to a reference voltage.

Unless one of the light detectors 135x or 135y the edge 181 is opposite, the output of the light detector applied to the comparator 182 becomes higher than the reference voltage and comparator 182 provides a LOW level output. This LOW level signal becomes a PNP transistor 183 fed and makes this conductive, whereby a light emitting diode 184 emits light with the result that a light detector 185, which is assembled in the form of an optocoupler with the diode 184, contains the information that the Image field is already exposed.

If to determine the edge 181 for both its X and a pair of light detector and light emitting elements is also provided in the Y direction, as above has been described, even if the pairs of light detector and light emitting element are slightly outside their position with respect to the image carrier 19, at least one of the pairs facing the marked edge 181 and thus ensure the detection of the exposed image.

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As described above, in order to avoid the double exposure, that of the photographed edge 181 on the image carrier 19 uses light transmitted through / but it is also possible to use the light reflected from the edge 181.

It is also possible to be reflected or transmitted To use light of a photographed image in the image field without providing and closing the highly reflective frame 133 taking photos. The means for preventing double exposure are preferably in line with the first Arranged heating element, the exposure element and the second heating element. In particular, the device is preferably to prevent double exposure, the first heating element, the cooling element, the exposure element and the second heating element arranged in a row.

When the image carrier 19 is shifted in the direction of the X-axis in order to replace the device for preventing double exposure with the image field to be exposed (see FIG. 3) is checked by the light-emitting element 134 and the light detector 135, whether the image field already is exposed or not. If it is determined that the image field is unexposed, information is sent to the image carrier transport device given and the image carrier 19 is the distance of an image field to the preheating point moved further where the image field is heated for the purpose of activation. That which has become sensitive to light through activation

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The image field of the image carrier 19 then becomes the exposure point transported further, where the image of an object is projected onto the image field. The exposed image field is then transported by the distance of an image field to the point for thermal development, where this is in the image field existing latent image is developed by the action of heat, whereby the storage in an image field is completed is.

In the present invention are in the interest of uniformity of the image over the entire area of the image field pressure devices are provided so that when the preheating device or the thermal development facility

consists of a solid body of high temperature, on the heated part of the image carrier on the said solid bodies opposite side a surface pressure can be exerted.

The pressing using a fluid pressure is after or simultaneously with the holding of the image carrier by the holding devices in the desired position.

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leads, preferably while the above-mentioned solid bodies are in contact with the image carrier. As a fluid a gas is well suited in this case; compressed air is particularly preferred. At least through the even pressure an image area of the image carrier through the fluid to the heating body the whole field of view is in

brought into close contact with the surface of the said bodies with uniform contact pressure and is therefore uniform warmed up. The result is that the uniform preheating makes the entire image area light-sensitive everywhere makes and the uniform thermal development cause an increase in sensitivity without

Scattering, thus ensuring an image of excellent reproducibility. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid heating deformations of the image field which are caused by the pressure and the heating of the image carrier by the heating elements during heating. It is desirable that the pressure of the fluid applied to the image carrier for pressing is in the range of 100 to 1,000 mmH ₂ O.

As a preferred example of the pressure devices, gas supply channels 136 and 137 are provided in the tube holder 53, which lead from the bottoms of the recesses 57 and 58, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, to the outside.

The gas supply channels 136 and 137 are via pipes

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138 and 139, respectively, with bellows 141 and 142, which serve as sources for pressurized gas. On the bellows 141 and 142, the armatures of the solenoids 143 and 144 are movably fixed and by the excitation of the magnetic coils, the bellows are compressed and supply the recesses 57 via the corresponding tubes and 58 with air.

An arrangement for compressing and pulling apart the bellows 141 is shown in FIG. 3, for example. Of the Bellows 141 is attached at one end to a mounting plate 301, which in turn is attached to the base plate 22 is. The magnetic coil 143 is also fastened to a mounting plate 302 fastened to the base plate 22. When the solenoid 143 is energized, a connecting piece 303 rotates around a pin 306, which is in two tabs from the Fixing plate 302 is cut out and bent open, is supported and presses the other end of the bellows 141 towards the mounting plate 301, whereby the bellows 141 is compressed. When switching off the Solenoid 143 is the bellows 141 by the force of The spring of the solenoid 143 expands and returns to its original position. The bellows 141a and 142 are through the same arrangement as described above, compressed and expanded. A pressure pump is used as the source for pressurized gas preferred over bellows and in this case the pressure can be easily available by operating the pump be asked.

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7 shows, in an enlarged cross section, the state in which the heating elements 61 and 62 and the frame-shaped end piece 73 for the exposure are pressed against the tube holder 53 and the image carrier clamp between them. When in the state where the image carrier 19 is affected by the heating elements 61 and 62

is pressed against the tube holder 53,

compressed air is supplied to the recesses 57, 58, those located under the recesses 57, 58 become Areas of the image carrier 19 are pressed evenly against the heating elements 61 and 62. Accordingly the image carrier 19 is heated uniformly in all these areas. The size of the recesses 57, 58 is chosen somewhat larger than the size of an image field including its edge, so that the Edge areas of the recesses 57, 58 do not touch the image area, d. H. the edge area of each recess lies outside a projected image of that used for the purpose of avoiding double exposures highly reflective frame 133.

In the example according to FIG. 7, the recesses are in the central part 57 and 58 opposite the image carrier. 19 pressure distribution plates 145 and 145b are provided. These plates can be made of a sintered metal, e.g. B. brass or stainless steel, made of sponge or the like

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Ma

porous material or they can be plates, ö -'.- j one

over the whole area in essentially equal proportions;

Have perforation. In short, the about d; · ^{:. ;} : jxäle and 137 2ugled compressed air through the pl ^ lcen. 145
and 145b distributed and evenly to the image carrier 19

fed.

The above-mentioned distribution plates can, however, be dispensed with if the arrangement of the gas supply channels is modified, ie if the supply channels 136
and 137 for the compressed gas, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 7, in the side walls of the recesses
57 and 58 out or v / when the gas supply channels are arranged as far away from the image carrier 19 as possible. Compact bodies are preferably used as heating elements, which are on high

Temperature are located and which are designed so that they are in direct contact with the image carrier during the heating processes. It is also desirable that the heating elements be larger than the internal dimensions of each of the recesses 57,58
with their frame-shaped edge zones on all sides, but not so large that they overlap adjacent image fields and that, in combination with the frame-shaped edge zones of each of the recesses 57, 58, they hold the image carrier 19 in place. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the tube

holder 53 and the other side on which the heating elements 61 and 62 and the second frame-shaped

End piece 73 are arranged for the exposure. If the tube holder 53 is made of a material with a relatively high thermal conductivity, such as B. brass is made, it absorbs with its high heat capacity at the edge zones of the Heating elements on the way over the image carrier 19, amounts of heat from the heating elements 61, 62

so that the influence of heating on the adjacent image fields is avoided.

9 shows modifications of the devices for uniform heating of an image field of the image carrier. In

9A a second frame-shaped part 146 is provided, which surrounds the heating element 72 and serves to press the image carrier 19 onto the tube holder 53. Attaching a such a frame-shaped part prevents the thermal diffusion to the adjacent image areas even if the Temperature of the heating element 62 rises unnecessarily far and creates, together with the pressing of the image carrier 19 against the tube holder 53 has a double seal so that even if the pressure of the compressed gas increases, no gas between the Image carrier 19 and the tube holder 53 can escape, with which greater uniformity of heating is ensured.

So far it has been assumed that an overpressure is used to press the image carrier 19 on, but it is the same

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possible to apply a negative pressure from the opposite side and you get the same results. 9B shows, for example, an arrangement for such a procedure. The previously described, provided in the tube holder 53 Gas supply channel 137, which opens into recess 58, has been omitted, the open end of the second frame-shaped Part 146 opposite the image carrier 19 is closed with a plate 147 and an actuating rod 148 for the The heating element penetrates this plate by means of a gas-tight seal 149. A suction line 151 is provided in the plate 147 and through this and a pipe 152 connected to it, the air is sucked out of the second frame-shaped part 146. The result is that the internal pressure of the second frame-shaped part 146 becomes negative relative to the ambient pressure and thus the image carrier 19 is pressed against the heating element 62 evenly. There, as described above, the image carrier 19 is used by applying a negative pressure to the heating element can be, according to FIG. 9C in the surface of the heating element 62 facing the image carrier 19 is a recess 153 attached, which is essentially the same size as the recess 58 of the tube holder 53. The recess 153 is filled with a porous thermal material 154 of high thermal conductivity and is in the heating element 62 a suction line 151 connected to the recess 153 is provided. If now air is sucked off via the suction line 151 is, the image carrier is drawn to the heating element 62 and the heat of the heating element 62 is over the thermal Transfer material 154 to image carrier 19. As a thermal

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Material 154 can be sintered stainless steel material or similar used v / ground. Figures 9A to 9C show thermal development devices, but like devices may be used can also be used for preheating and cooling. Although in the above pressure devices under Using negative pressure are described are overprint arrangements from the standpoint of the resulting image quality more practical.

Just as well as through the previously described method of direct contact of the image carrier with solid bodies that are at a high temperature, this can

Heating of the image carrier can also be done by methods in which gas of high temperature is in contact with the image carrier comes into contact or radiation in the infrared or far infrared range is used.

As a procedure for acting

of high temperature gas on the image carrier, there can be mentioned such methods in which the high temperature gas is blown against the image carrier or a method in which a solid Body with high temperature nearby, however

is arranged at a certain distance from the image carrier and the gas in the very narrow gap between the solid body and heats up the image carrier. It is also possible

using a solid, gas, or infrared rays or similar to apply combined procedures.

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Fig. 13 shows, for example, an arrangement in which hot air is directed against the image carrier for the purpose of heating it is blown. A hot air generator 351 consists of the two generators 351a and 351b. In In the generator 351a, the air sucked in by an air pump 352 via an air line 353 is passed through a dust filter 354 is pumped into the hot air container 355. Here, the pump 352 is controlled by the output part 357 of a switch 356, which monitors the pressure in the hot air container 355 so that the pressure in the container is at a desired value is held. The air in the container 355 is continuously blown by a fan via an air line 359 through a Air heater 361 blown. The heater 364 in the air heater 361 becomes from the exit part 363 one in the hot air tank 355 arranged temperature measuring device 362 controlled and heated to a predetermined temperature value Air circulates from air heater 361 through fan 358 back to hot air tank 355. In this way the air in the container 355 is regulated to a predetermined temperature value.

When the image carrier 19 is heated, it becomes

previously between the tube holder 53 and the second frame-shaped Part 146 recorded.

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When the image carrier 19 is to be preheated, electromagnetic valves 365 and 366 are opened so that the air lines 368 and 368a and 372 and 372a, respectively will. Furthermore, a fan 367 is switched on and heated air from the container 355 is over the fan 367 the air line 368a the electromagnetic valve 365, the air line 368, the supply channel 369 and nozzles 369a are blown into the recess 57, whereby the image carrier 19 is heated. Then the in the recess 57 blows air through the outflow channel 371, the air line 372, the electromagnetic valve 366, the air line 372a, the heater 361 and the fan 358 back into the container 355.

By blowing the hot circulating air from the nozzles 369a against the image carrier 19, the image carrier becomes the image carrier heat-activated and therefore sensitive to light.

The generator 351b of the hot air generator 351 is in FIG Design is identical to the generator 351a just described. Hot air from generator 351b flows through a Air line 373 and a supply channel 374, flows to the Heating of the image carrier 19 in the recess 58 and reverses then back to the generator 351 via the outflow channel 375 and an air line 376. In the one just described Thus, the heated circulating air from the generator 351b is blown onto the image carrier 19 via the nozzles 374a

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the result of the thermal development of the image carrier

The temperature of the hot air produced by the generator 351 is usually maintained at a predetermined Fourth in the range between 80 to 200 ⁰ C. This temperature is slightly higher than the temperature to which the image carrier 19 must be heated. Similarly, the temperature of the hot air generator 351b of the generated is usually kept at a predetermined value in the range between 100 to 220 ⁰ C.

It is also possible to provide an arrangement as shown in FIG. 14, in which the hot air after it has passed the supply channels 369 and 374, through distribution plates 377 and 378 made of porous material into the Recesses 57 and 58 is blown. Furthermore, the hot air can also come from the one opposite the tube carrier 53 Page are blown off onto the image carrier 19. In such a case, beyond the image carrier 19 opposite the recesses 57 and 58 frame-shaped parts and the hot air is directed into these frame-shaped parts and, if necessary, via distributor plates blown against the image carrier.

Fig. 15 shows a modification of the device for heating

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of the image carrier 19 by contact with a gas. In Fig. solid bodies of high temperature are brought as close as possible to the image carrier 19, but without touching it. The image carrier 19 is held between the tube holder and the second frame-shaped part 146 and during the During the heating process, the heating elements 61 and 62 are brought close to the image carrier 19. It is believed that the The carrier 19 is heated by a combination of heat conduction, heat flow and radiation.

Rays in the infrared or far infrared range can also be used as heating means. For example become, as shown in Fig. 16, second frame-shaped Parts 132 and 146 are arranged opposite the recesses 57 and 58 in the tube holder 53 and on the other side of the image carrier 19. Inside the second frame-shaped parts 132 and 146, respectively Generators for infrared rays 401 and 406 are arranged. The infrared generator 401 consists of, for example, one arranged in its interior heater 402 and a radiation body 403 made of lanthanum chromide or a similar material exists and is arranged facing the image carrier 19. When the heater 402 is excited, infrared rays are emitted which irradiate the image carrier 19 and thus heat it up. An infrared receiver 404 is arranged in the recess 57, receives the infrared rays from the image carrier 19 and thus whose temperature measures.

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In this case, a filter 405 can be connected upstream, which intercepts wavelength ranges of the infrared radiation, which are not absorbed by the image carrier 19, d. H. those wavelength ranges of infrared radiation which for heating the image carrier 19 are unnecessary. This ensures that only those components are measured that have heated the image carrier 19. The other infrared ray generator 406 may be the same as that just described Producer 401 be identical. The second frame-shaped parts 132 and 146 can together with the second frame-shaped Part 73, which is arranged opposite the bore 54 of the tube holder 53, as a unitary component be trained.

In those cases where the one used for heating solid body is not brought into direct contact with the image carrier, as is the case in the embodiments according to FIGS. 15 and 16 is the case, the one caused by direct contact occurs Deformation of the image carrier does not and therefore needs the surface of the solid body on the side of the image carrier not to be made completely flat.

So far, the devices were used for heating

shown. As a first heating element for preheating and as a second heating element for thermal development different heating devices can be used, but from a construction point of view it is preferred

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drawn to use heating devices of the same type. Generally it is preferred to use those heating devices where a solid radiator touches the image carrier.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is designed so that one in that image field of the image carrier 19 which is currently in the exposure position stored information is projected on a larger scale for reading purposes. To this end is a housing 161 for a light source on the base plate 22, for example below the second frame-shaped Part 73 attached for exposure. In this housing 161, a reading light source 162 is provided, and if so required, a cooling fan 163 on the side facing the base plate 22. The light from the light source 162 is collected by a concave mirror 164 and directed parallel to the base plate 22 onto a mirror 165 and from this deflected in the direction of the exposure point. The optical one

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The axis of the light deflected in this way by a right angle becomes frame-shaped with the axis of the second Part 73 and the through hole 54 aligned, A condenser lens 166 is mounted above the mirror 165 and the light focused by this lens 166 passes through it the frame-shaped part 73 and illuminates that area of the image carrier 19 which is below the through hole 54 is located. The light that has passed through the image carrier 19 passes through the projection lens 18 and is incident the mirror 125.

A rotatable mirror 168 is attached between the shutter 129 and the tube holder 53 and, as FIG. 10 shows, can be pivoted into the beam path of the image of an object. This mirror 168 is rotatably mounted on a mounting plate 169 which is attached to the front plate 15 of the cover 12. The rotating arm of the movable mirror 168 is moved by a coil 171. During the recording, the rotatable mirror 168 is kept out of the beam path between the mirror 125 and the tube holder 53, as is shown in FIG. 2 by the solid lines. During the reading process, the rotatable mirror 168 is pivoted into the beam path mentioned at a certain angle, as indicated in FIG. 2 in dashed lines. The light that has passed through the tube holder 53 is accordingly through the pivotable

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Mirror 168 and then deflected by a mirror 172 sitting on the mounting plate 169, runs then essentially parallel to the front plate 15, passes through a magnifying lens 173, is passed through again a mirror 174 is deflected substantially at right angles and falls on that in the front panel 15 of the cover 12 built-in screen 175. During recording operations the screen 175 is shielded by a cover plate 176 so that no unwanted light from the screen 175 can enter. During the reading process, the cover plate 176 is moved to the side with the aid of a coil 177 and the image stored in the image field positioned just below the through hole 54 appears enlarged on screen 175.

There is a difference between the beam path from the specimen holder 13 to the image carrier 19 and the beam path from the image carrier 19 to the screen 175. In the example described above, the image on the image carrier 19 with the aid of the Magnifying lens 173 projected clearly and magnified onto the screen 175. The screen 175 not always located in the front panel 15, but it can be installed at any other suitable location. In each Case can by incorporating the magnifying lens 173 in the optical path for a magnified projection that in any one arbitrarily selected image field of the image carrier 19

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(pil

stored information is projected at an enlarged scale without moving the image carrier 19 to a different position than brought for the recording or that the image carrier 19 must be used in a separate projector v / earth. Therefore During the recording, the information can be read immediately after it has been saved. With it during of reading an image field of the image carrier 19 assumes the correct position, the image carrier 19 is through the second frame-shaped part 73 pressed against the edge zone of the through hole 54 of the tube holder 53.

As can be seen from the above, the additional installation of a magnifying projection device requires at least one a light source, a condenser lens (or mirror) and a screen, while on the remaining elements if necessary can be dispensed with.

A control device for transporting, heating and exposure of the image carrier 19 for the application of a fluid pressure on the carrier 19, etc. is housed in a housing 205 which, as shown in FIG. 3, within the cover 12 on the on the left side. The control functions mentioned are implemented, for example, by using a so-called microcomputer executed. The temperature control for the heating elements 61 and 62 is also carried out by the microcomputer.

03QQQ7 / 0902

When the double exposure lock, the preheater,

the exposure device and the

Devices for thermal development are arranged in a row and at the same intervals as the image fields on the image carrier 19, it is possible not only to make the recording in one image field of the carrier 19 by subjecting it to the corresponding process steps one after the other, but it is also possible to achieve faster recording in that several image fields are each subjected to one process step at the same time. In the latter case, when an _{image field labeled F 1} , as shown in FIG. 17A, is brought into the position for checking the double exposure, it is checked whether the field F _{1 has} already been exposed or not. If this is not the case, the image carrier is moved further in the direction of the X-axis by one image field and, as shown in FIG. 17B, brings the field F ₁ into the preheating position. While this field F _{1 is being} preheated, the next field F ~ is checked for double exposure. If there is no risk of double exposure for the field F_, the image carrier is moved again by one image field in the X direction and brings the fields F ₁ , F "into the exposure position or the preheating position, as shown in FIG. 17C, and that next field F ^ reaches the double exposure inspection position. The fields F ₁ , F ₂ are simultaneously subjected to the exposure and preheating process and at the same time the field F_ is subjected to the double exposure test process. If it turns out that the field F is still unexposed, the image carrier is moved again by one image field in the direction of the X-axis and reaches the position shown in FIG. 17D in which the first field F ₁ is in the development position second field F "in the exposure position, the third field F., in the preheating position, while the next field F- has reached the double exposure test position. The fields F ₁ , F ₃ , F ₃ are at the same time the development, the exposure and the

030007/0902

Subject to preheating, ' ^:! ■ and at the same time the field Fj the double exposure -.-. ^; : f the operation is subject. Then jedsi.viul, vr -.- r. the image carrier is moved by one image field distance in the direction of c -v X-AchK «, four fields are essentially checked for double exposure at the same time, preheated, exposed and thermally developed. If at the end of such a current recording the field F _? is brought to the preheating position, preheating, exposure and thermal development take place in parallel, but as Fig. 12E shows, no more double exposure testing is performed. The image carrier is then moved again by one image field in the direction of the X-axis and the exposure and the thermal development take place simultaneously. The image fields still in the process steps are then successively subjected to the remaining processes.

The following conditions apply to the storage of the images in the described embodiments: The preheating takes place at a temperature in the range from 80 to 130 ^° C. for a time between 0.5 and 12 seconds; the exposure takes place after the image carrier has been made photosensitive and requires a brightness of, for example, 2,000 to 10,000 lux for about 0.5 to 12 seconds; the thermal development takes place, for example, at a temperature of about 100 to 150 ^° C. for a period of time

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Range from 0.5 to 12 seconds.

It was previously assumed that a stepper motor for moving, positioning and stopping the transport device is used for the image carrier, but other methods can also be used. So z. B., as in is described below, a transport device can be used, which is driven by a normal motor, positioned by a signal from the combination of an encoder and a photo scanner and by a mechanical stop is stopped. As shown in FIG. 18, grippers 311 and 312 of the bracket 308 are used for the forward movement or the bracket 309 for the backward movement by the action of a magnetic coil 307 from the stops 315 or 316 of a step wheel 313 for the forward direction or a step wheel 314 for the reverse direction notched. Furthermore, a motor 317 drives a rotating shaft 323 via the clutch 318 and gears 319, 321 and at. The encoder 324, the gear wheel 321 and the step wheels 313 and 314 are firmly connected to one another and designed so that with each revolution the drive shaft -323 is moved further by as much as the distance of movement of the Image carrier corresponds to an image field. When the gear wheel 321 has covered half a revolution, the recognizes Photo scanner 326 has a groove 325 in encoder 324.

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This signal de-energizes the solenoid 3O7 and as a result of the Effect of the fields 327 and 328, the grippers 311 and 312 slide on the lateral surfaces of the step wheels 313 and 314, respectively. As the motor 317 continues to rotate, the stop 315 of the step wheel 313 strikes against the gripper 311 of the bracket and at the same time the gripper 312 of the bracket strikes against the stop 316 of the step wheel 314 and prevents thus a backward movement of the gear wheel 321 due to the recoil as a result of the sudden stop. Simultaneously stops the rotation of the drive shaft 323. The motor 317 is timed so that it continues to run a little, even if the gear 321 is stopped as a result of the aforementioned signal from the photo scanner and in this time an overload of the motor 317 by the Clutch 318 avoided until motor 317 stopped after of the gear 321 comes to a standstill. In this way, the image carrier can be moved and positioned with high accuracy and therefore a transport device as just described can also be used.

Although the embodiments described so far for the Movement of the image carrier using threaded rods 33, 43 and 323, it is also possible. Procedure to apply which Use wires, racks, or chains. If the image carrier is a microfiche, one of these methods is

030007/0302

required that enables the movement of the image carrier in two dimensions, the X and Y directions.

In the device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heating element 61 for preheating, the heating element 62 for development; and the second frame-shaped Part 73 brought into contact with and removed from the image carrier for exposure, but it is it is also possible to arrange these in a fixed manner and to move the tube holder 53 towards the image carrier and away again. In general it is desirable to choose an arrangement as shown in Fig. 2 in which the tube holder 53 is fixedly attached is and the heating elements and the second frame-shaped part for exposure are movably mounted so that the The point where the image of the object is created can be easily fixed. In addition, the mechanism shown is for bringing the heating elements, etc. into contact with the image carrier is suitable for practical use, but it can Mechanism can also be replaced by another. Likewise, the exposure device can be replaced by a device other than that described be replaced, but there is at least one projection lens for projecting the image of the object onto the image carrier and a shutter is required while the other elements are modified according to the location of the object can. For example, the object could also use its

030007/0902

Face down on top of the cover. Furthermore, the exposure conditions can be changed become, such as B. by presetting a predetermined exposure time without using an automatic one Exposure control.

As described, with the image developing apparatus of the present invention an image can be recorded on the image carrier field by field without it being necessary for handling of the unexposed image carrier to provide a dark room and it can be the image carrier on the information already recorded have been kept for the subsequent reproduction of the record and, if necessary, can can be reinserted into the image-forming device in order to place another on an unexposed field of the image carrier To attach a record. Since no dark room is required, and since development is not done by a wet process no developer is used. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus is very simple in structure and the image carrier after exposing one or some fields, it can be additionally exposed in other fields if necessary will.

Since the first heating device, the exposure device and the second heating device are provided independently of each other in such a manner become that to the image fields of the image carrier a

030007/0902

«Β

there is a 1: 1 relationship and because these devices are arranged to cover a plurality of fields of view (preferably the image carrier will always correspond to a constant distance Moved in the direction of the arrangement of these bodies step by step and, if necessary, the treatment by two or more of the first heating means, the exposure means and the second heating means at the same time can be performed in parallel so that high-speed recording is possible. The speed of treatment can also be increased by the fact that in addition to the three devices mentioned, a device for prevention a double exposure is provided.

Since, in the present invention, for the first heating device, the second heating device and the exposure device, respectively a retaining device is provided, a thermal deformation of the image field during heating can be prevented so that the entire image area is heated evenly in order to achieve a uniform sensitivity over the to ensure the entire area or over the entire field and thus an improved resolution. The retaining device furthermore prevents heat conduction from the image field retained by the retaining device to neighboring ones Fields of view. The image fields can thus be arranged in close proximity. By holding the field of view

030007/0902

During the exposure, the image field can also be positioned exactly at the point where the optical image of the Template is mapped. During heating by a heater with a solid body, the field of view is opposed this body pressed through a pressurized pluidum. This ensures even heating of the entire image field and prevents thermal deformation of the image carrier. This increases the resolution for improves the case in which an enlarged representation of a record is made on a reduced scale.

030007/0902

Claims (2)

BLUMBACH. WESER. Bf = ROEKK? <AR /? LR ZWiRNER 562943/561998 Telex 04-186237 Telegrams Patentconsul! ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA 79/8743 2-6, Dojimahama 1-chome, Kita-ku, August 2, 1979 Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan Imaging device claims 1. Image forming apparatus for forming an image using a thermally developable image carrier which has a plurality of fields and usually not photosensitive, but through a preheating before exposure can be made photosensitive, which further leads to the production of a The latent image is exposed to an optical image and that is then used to form the visible image. S. Krem er O.p '.- Mg- · W- Weser O ^; pL-P, iys, Or. rer. nai. · KPSrehrn Dipl.-Owr "- '■''.?::>·.;; 3 ?. 'i: PG- E: - .. Tta · .'- C; 3] .- !: iC'. ■ P. E3.'gen 0ι0 ^: .- ^ 3 · Qr. jur. . G- ZvUnc: ">: -" - .. '':;, '-, V.-irc 030007/0802 is thermally developed, which includes a first heating device for preheating an image field of the image carrier, an exposure device for projecting the optical image of an object onto the preheated image field and a second heating device for the thermal development of the exposed image field and a transport device for transporting the image carrier to the first heating device, for Exposure device and to the second heating device, characterized in that holding devices (53, 61, 62, 73, 146) are assigned to the first heating device, the exposure device and the second heating device in order to fix the image fields of the image carrier in the corresponding treatment position, and that the first heating device, the exposure device and the second heating device are arranged in such a way that the individual image fields of the image carrier can simultaneously be treated in parallel by the respective devices . 2. Image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first heating device, the exposure device and the second heating device are arranged in a line and that the exposure 030007/0902 means between the first and second heating means let. 3. Image generating device according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that at least one retaining device has a frame-shaped part which the Holds the image carrier and thereby encloses its image field, 4. Image generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one retaining device comprises a pair of opposing first and second frame-shaped parts which between them Hold the image carrier and enclose its image field. 5. Image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the exposure device has a Contains tube holder and that the end face of the tube holder facing the image carrier is frame-shaped is to form at least part of the retainer of the exposure device. 030007/0902 6. Image generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining device is a further Includes frame-shaped part which faces the end face of the tube holder, so that the image carrier during development between the end face of the tube holder and the end face of the frame-shaped part is held, the image field of the image carrier is enclosed. 7. Image generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that a device is provided the projection light through the interior of the second frame-shaped part onto the image field of the image carrier aligns, as well as a device for the projection of the through the image field and through a hole in the tube carrier penetrated light on a screen. 8. Image generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the frame-shaped part of the retaining device for the first heating device and the second heating device on the tube carrier both sides of which are attached. 030007/0902 9. Image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second heating means each contain a solid body with a high temperature, which is an image field of the image carrier touched directly for the purpose of heating. 10. An image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the solid body has a high temperature consists of a heat conductor, inside which a heater is arranged and whose temperature is on is controlled a predetermined value. 11. Image generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that means are provided for Exposure of the image carrier with a pressurized fluid on the side opposite the one on which the image carrier touches the solid body at a high temperature, while the latter is in direct contact with the former stands. 12. Image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by the use of compressed air as pressurized fluidurn. 030007/0902 ~ ^J >. An image forming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that a frame-shaped part is provided on the side opposite to that on which the high-temperature solid body is kept in direct contact with the image carrier, and a frame-shaped part is provided in this frame-shaped part Pressurized fluid is introduced from the outside and fed to the image carrier on the side that is in contact with the frame-shaped part. 14. Image generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that devices are provided for creating a negative pressure between the high temperature solid body and the one in contact with it standing image carrier when the former is kept in direct contact with the latter. 15. Image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first or the second heating device heats the image field of the image carrier by making contact with it with a hot gas. 030007/0902 16. Imaging apparatus according to claim 15, characterized characterized in that air heated to 80 to 200 C is used as the hot gas. 17. Image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that air is used as the hot gas that is located between the image carrier and an adjacent, but kept at a distance fixed Body with high temperature is located and heated by the high temperature solid body will. 18. Image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first or the second heater is a radiation source in the infrared or far infrared range. 19. Image generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that a test device is provided which prevents double exposure in an image field that is already occupied by a recording. 20. Imaging apparatus according to claim 19, characterized 030007/0902 characterized in that the testing device includes a light-generating element and a light detector, that the light emitted by the light-generating element is detected by the photodetector as an intensity value, after it has passed through the image carrier or has been reflected from it and that the double exposure is checked by comparing the intensity of the output signal of the photodetector with a predetermined value. 21. Imaging apparatus according to claim 2O, characterized characterized in that when the image of the original or of the object is formed on the image field of the image carrier along at least one of the four sides of the image field is a strip-shaped marking, its reflection factor is different from that of the image carrier, is formed and that the marking by the testing device is checked. 030007/0902